Sewing Books

The designs were amazing and just made her fabrics even more gorgeous. Loved the bags and the baby clothes, but the sizes were only from birth to a year, so I can't make matching sets for my two daughters.

My main gripe was that the instructions were too wordy and there were too few diagrams. I made a pair of cutie booties as they looked easy and just what my 3month old needed right now. There was only a simple diagram at the end of the instructions, so I had to read and re-read everything at least 3 times before stitching so that i will not have to end up unpicking. A diagram could be more self explanatory and cut out the wordiness which is pretty intimidating. I'm still trying to decide which project to start on next since trying to figure out the instructions take quite a while.

This book is probably not for the novice sewer as it refers to sewing terms that are sometimes explained in the appendix but without diagrams as well.

I had a lot of expectations from this book and indeed ALL were met!
Worth every cent!

If you're sewing for baby boys, don't despair there is only one dress pattern and one girly shirt (a super cute one actually) in here. Most of the projects are nursery decor (bedding and more), toys, or things for mama. The 2 diaper bags in here are both great looking patterns - nice and roomy with lots of pockets. I'm having a hard time choosing which to make and I think those 2 patterns alone make the book worth the cost (but I am a bag junkie!)
Be aware that the clothing for babies have 4 sizes: 0-3 months through 9-12 months, so not for older babies.
My only complaints:
- a lack of diagrams in the instructions. They are wordy as usual, but sometimes it's easier to just glance at a picture of the next step. There are a few diagrams sprinkled throughout, but it seems like many projects don't have any.
- the photography is gorgeous but doesn't show the details of the projects always. The modern diaper bag has no shot that shows the interior at all or even the cell phone pocket on the exterior. You need to read well into the instructions to see what kind of pockets it will have.

I shouldn't have been surprised that this book is a really wonderful, versatile book. True, it's a book for sewing baby items but they have a couple of really nice bags, designed in the wonderful Amy Butler style. The directions are clear, w. wonderful diagrams. There are patterns included (which I haven't looked at yet. This book is a good fit for beginners to more experienced sewers. Overall, I know I'll make the items in here numerous times - they're classic, well designed and modern. Alot is packed in this great book.

this book has been very helpful .detailed instructions and clear photos make this book a joy to use. this book is an excellent reference manual for all levels beg-adv

This book is not for beginners. You need to understand the different concepts of sewing and cunstruction. But it is a great reference guide for sewing pretty much anything. I love having this book on my shelf, it comes in handy. If you want more of a beginner book, the "Sew Fast Sew Easy" and "Sew On" books are better. Happy sewing!

I bought this book for class, I never got to use it. However the images and descriptions that i did read were pretty helpful, but for me it's best to see someone actually do it in front of me instead of looking at drawn images.

The shipper sent the book on time and in expected condition.

This is a big, thick, heavy book, and not exactly something you can tuck in a corner while you work. It's large and wide, though, and lies flat fairly easily, which helps to make it easier to look at while working. It includes an absolutely amazing amount of detail meant to get you from rank beginner through finely tailored clothing, and honestly I expect this book to still be useful to me in ten years from now. It's jam-packed with diagrams, color photos, and plenty of highly-detailed and very clear instructions.

Hand-sewing tips are included, as well as instructions for using the 'essential' hand stitches. This includes full-page instructions in most cases, with multiple diagrams. Each diagram comes with both an easy-to-understand explanation and a set of step-by-step detailed instructions. Essential stitches include everything from tailor's tacks to basting, backstitching, hemming & joining (slipstitch, cross-stitch, overhand, whipstitch, etc.), finishing stitches, decorative stitches, and so on. In particular I appreciate that the explanation included with each stitch details exactly what that stitch tends to be used for and why.

One of my favorite details throughout the book is the extensive cross-referencing. For example, the page that details and diagrams overedge seams provides page references to the overlock machine on page 15, zigzag stitching on page 83, and overlock stitching on p. 83. You won't have to go nuts trying to locate all the information you need. In addition, there's a side-bar at the beginning of the 'stitches and seams' section that provides a quick-reference to all provided hand stitches and their page locations.

This book can start you out as a beginner and still be useful to you ten years later. It covers everything from basic stitches to fabric types to advanced tailoring techniques, in a ton of detail with precise directions and diagrams.

I started sewing in high school when a teacher was offering a sewing and crafts club. When I graduated, I studied under her for a few years, she knew everything and I mean everything about sewing! There were times I was at home sewing on my own and had little questions, or needed sometime to trigger my own knowlege. So I bought the edition before this one and it was fantastic! I took a break from sewing for about a year since I was finishing up my BFA and now I'm sewing again. I couldn't find that book, and I saw that there was a new edition and knew it was a good book. The book is full of pictures, drawings, and explanations. I'm a visual person, and sometimes just reading how to do something, doesn't necessarily help. Plus, usually you are following a pattern that's telling you how to do something and your stumped. I have nothing but good things to say about this book. Compared to other sewing books, this one is the best source to keep around, whether you are an expert or a beginner.
The book outlines every kind of fabric and what its used for; it talks about (and shows photos) of all the different kinds of tools and materials for sewing. I mean there's a whole chapter just on zippers! Every kind of zipper you'd ever need to use and how to put them in. Plus, if you aren't using one of those Vikings or Berninas, this book shows you the ways you can do it yourself, or the old-fashion way. (I'm saving up for a good machine! One who will do button holes and sew the button for me!)
Overall, this is a great resource for any sort of sewer out there.

Saw this at a friends house, and then bought it for my niece for Christmas. I looked through it when I received it, and some of the creations are incredible! I know my niece will have a great time making her own clothes! Can't wait to give it to her!

We found this book in the library and I had to buy it. I got my daughters and some of their friends together and we cut and sewed and followed the directions. The best part was seeing the creative possibilities. The worst part was seeing that the T you make would not be able to withstand a lot of wear. I realized that if you want to keep the creation you make then you would have to get out the sewing machine and do some real sewing.

We did notice that the t need to be fited and looked at on your body before you cut. We had one girl that wanted to make the halter and following the directions in the book made the halter so small and short that she was uncomfortable with the whole project (even though the picture shows a lot of room in the torso). So making sure of the design before hand is very important.

But the girls did have fun and will be doing it again.

Pressed to find a great birthday gift for the girl who has everything? Or do you just want to give something unique and special? Why not give the gift that keeps on giving: a fun, edgy and easy-to-use craft book! Generation T is a gift for any lady!! It was given to me when I turned 18, and I have since given it to my friend on her 17th, my co-worker on her 25th and my T.A. on her 30th!! There are projects in this book that can appeal to everyone's tastes, and as a present it is a great conversation starter at a birthday dinner. I simply cannot tell you how great this book is, you must really have a peek at it for yourself!

When I first flipped through this book I thought: fab! how imaginative. Unfortunately having looked at it more closely there isn't anything I think I could make that wouldn't make me look tragic. The ideas are mostly centred around the idea of cutting up a very large T-shirt and making it with minimal sewing into something hipper, close fitting and a little punk-inspired - plenty of rips and slashes. Even using the theme of the book, rather than the specific ideas doesn't help me much. I'm sure if I was 16 I'd love it. I write as a warning that the target audience for this book is relatively narrow ie young and that isn't something you might work out from reading the blurb. Well at least I didn't. Yes as you get older you can still be on-trend, but I really think it's better to leave looks such as slashed clothing or the barely-there items etc to the younger crowd.

Pros: simple, easy to read, good starter ideas
Cons: styles not for everyone, designs generally for petite girls

I had been eying this book for several months and finally broke down and bought it.
To let you know, I am a beginner when it comes to sewing. I am essentially self taught, starting with some needle and thread stuff when I was in middle school and working up to a simple cheap sewing machine that I use now.
I bought this book after flipping through it a few times, it seemed like it had a variety of different t-shirt ideas and that even if I didn't use them all at least they would provide some inspiration.
I agree with some of the other reviews, the safety pin thing gets a bit old, but then again even if you don't like that the book does show you other techniques that could be used as well (sewing seams, using a lace and holes to thread two pieces together, buttons, etc).
THIS BOOK WAS NOT MADE FOR OLDER GENERATIONS NOR FOR HIGH FASHION. It makes it clear on every project that these are designs for punk or hipster types. They are fun ways to transform your old useless clothes into something you might want to wear without too much effort.
Yes, the clothes look better on the super-skinny New York girls that are pictured in the book, but I am a size 18-22 and I was able to pull off many of the designs with little to no adjustments.

In conclusion this is a fun book, it is not a highly technical sewing manual, but an introduction to the possibilities of DIY and to the basics of sewing that would be great for anyone just getting started in sewing or who likes the "deconstructed" look.

Doodle Stitching: Fresh & Fun Embroidery for Beginners
I found this book to be informative and motivating. It gives Ideas for embroidered items and also gives permission to do just what you want! I recommend this book to those who want to be more creative with thread.

I am a beginning embroiderer and this book is amazing! Simple instructions for each project and nice illustrations. This a is a great book and every embroiderer should have one!

This is a great beginner embroidery book. The directions are easy to follow and each project had good pictures. The print is also large enough to read easily, which isn't true of many craft books. I'm very happy with my purchase.

I have been in search for a book like this for years, honestly. There are very little options for cute, casual embroidery out there and this one has several patterns that can be used on much more than the depicted use. One reviewer noted that there are several pages that have patterns not included in the book. I agree, this is disappointing but you can find a couple of these patterns on the author's etsy page ([...]) and she will send them to you as a PDF. The step by step instructions are so thorough that even an embroidered quilt doesn't seem daunting and I'm actually excited about putting it all together. That's a first. I gave 4 stars instead of 5 because I was a little disappointed in the actual projects - I'd love to have seen more projects like placemats and tablecloths, baby onesies and bibs... things like that. Otherwise, this book is very exciting. Highly recommended for the thorough details that make the prospect easy, plus the complete guide to the stitches - excellent for a beginner!

I have been greatly inspired by Aimee Ray's embroidery. Picking up this book was great because I was able to get a good idea of stitches and see some wonderful project ideas. I had never embroidered before I had seen her work, so I can vouch for this being a great source for a beginner. Some customers complain that some items lack patterns, and while this is true they are available on the author's etsy page. I saw those as an example of what works using stitches taught could turn out like. The nature of the works Aimee Ray is exhibiting in her book is just like the title, doodle-stitching. I don't see it as wanting the readers to necessarily copy each thing from the book, but inciting them to be creative.

Even though transfer methods are discussed, which is greatly beneficial, depending on one's resources it can be rather difficult. If there are no other resources (copier or a light box), I would recommend having carbon paper on hand. Tracing paper may also be very useful, but a transfer pen or pencil would also be necessary.

A great book with innovative no-sew options - including some interesting uses for duct tape. The bags are very cute, the instructions easy, and the tone is very much appreciated.

I'm a friend of Jodi's and I saw many of the samples as she made them. The bags are adorable: fun, whimsical and useful. Whether you're looking for a fun craft project or creative inspiration, check this out!

My mom got this book for me: "Simply Sublime Bags", and I love it! I already made the CAUTION tape bag and all my friends think it's adorable. My mom is going to make the Nights in white Satin bag too. I would recomend this book for any kid who likes bags and wants to look super cool ; )

While I'm not one to have the need to carry a bag, I love creative things and I love great gift ideas -- and this is all of that and more! Jodi Kahn is funny, inventive and full of wonderful ideas for things you can do yourself. This is a must-have for anyone who likes to make things for themselves and come up with their own individual sense of style! It's a must-have for friends and family who like to do this stuff together.

Buy yourself a copy...then some more for gifts! Anyone with a proclivity for crafts, homemade projects, etc. will absolutely love it!

I just started taking sewing lessons where I purchased my Husqvarna Viking machine and they highly recommended this book for a great overview, including tips for all of the essential tools you'll need, how to choose the right sewing machine, etc. It even includes 10 patterns for projects that I'll actually want to do. A lot of other sewing books aren't for beginners, but this one is PERFECT. It's comprehensive yet concise. It's organized very well and fun to read! I love it.

Not only does this book contain some nifty, versatile patterns. It's also chock-full of detailed explanations of techniques, complete with photos. You almost feel as if Diana Rupp is standing behind you as you sew, cheering you on.

This book is great for absolute beginner in sewing.
With a sassy and funny approach, this book walks you through all you need to know to start sewing. From all the tools and their functions, how to organise your work station to how to pick your sewing machine.
Though, I must admit the projects in the book is not totally my style, but it is a good source to know what you can do as a beginner.
Though I am more into the Sew U style, but I must admit this book will give you a more formal teaching down to how to pin the pattern.
If you can, you should get both books.

This book leaves no detail out. I finally get it. It demystified the whole process. I feel confident that I can tackle a project now without any trouble. Sure, there are lots of instructions and tutorials you can find on the internet for free, but there always seemed to be a detail or two that they didn't explain or they assumed the reader knew how to do, so I was always unsure about what to do and how to do it. I've bought several sewing books in the past claiming to be for beginners, but they always assumed that the reader knew about the basics, and I didn't. If you are a beginner, and really don't know the first thing, or even if you know a few things, but not as much as you would like, this book will be the perfect book for you. I'm so glad I bought it. I can finally put all those patterns I bought to good use.

I purchased this book a few months back as I knew I wanted to learn how to sew but I had never even touched a machine. Since reading the book I've also begun taking a sewing class at my local vis arts center. If it wasn't for this book, I'd be completely lost! I've just bought my first sewing machine too. I shopped around for a long time and knew exactly what questions to ask and what I wanted to get out of it, since the book has a great section on picking a machine. She makes everything very easy to understand and fun to read. I could not recommend this book enough!! It's so educational for anyone who's trying to figure out how to get started. There's a great section on fabrics - how to use them, what to look for for different projects. I can't wait to get my machine and start sewing some of the great designs she's incorporated into the book, all with patterns!

I love this book. I haven't actually made a pattern out of it yet, but just reading it gave me such an insight into pattern making and modifying. I'm waiting to have a bit of time and the right paper to start. You can even make a double of yourself with the measurements you take, an inexpensive way of trying garments instead of the expensive options. I recommend this book to anyone that sews and wants to go beyond the tracing, cutting patterns and following instructions to sew. MN, Ireland.

This is a terrific book! I've just started working my way through it and I'm impressed. I've used other methods before, but this one seems workable.

You know how sometimes you just loved a certain class because the teacher made it so easy and fun to learn?
Well...this book is just like it!

I read some reviews saying that the book was written a long time ago, but the basics are all there! The writer seems to really enjoy teaching and doesn't overpower you with detail, yet explains all the important points in a very unique perspective. If you have never sewn anything in your life (besides pillow cases:)), then this book is for you! I would highly recommend it to every beginning tailor or seamstress.

I bought this book after reading many of the reviews right here on Amazon. I have several other books on patternmaking, sloper-making, and fitting, and they all have some merit, but this is by far the best book.

There seems to be some confusion in the negative reviews of this book regarding what this book is about. This is not a book that shows you pictures of clothes (like a fashion magazine) and then tells you how to make them. It teaches the reader the principles of design in a very thorough manner in order to allow the reader to create their own designs.

It gives the reader precise, detailed instructions on how to create slopers for bodices, sleeves, pants, and skirts. It gives detailed fitting instructions for difficult to fit bodies - sloping or uneven shoulders, rounded backs, post-mastectomy, tummies and/or thighs, asymmetrical bodies, etc. It is the most thorough book I've seen. It allows the reader to make a master garment that fits the client perfectly. That is the first and most important step in pattern creation. If the clothes don't fit properly they can never look good on the client no matter what the style or fabric. The master garment can also provide the reader with the information they need to fit commercial patterns to the client.

It then goes on to explain design techniques - how to move darts, change darts to seams and vice versa, how to add fullness, how to change necklines, add pleats, etc., - so that the reader can create any type of garment they desire. There are many examples to show how to create many types of looks. If the reader has visions of garments they'd like to create, this book will make it happen.

The combination of the master garment and the design techniques allow the reader to create garments they desire with incredible fit, no matter the body type.

The section on pants fitting is especially good, and is probably the only pants-making-fitting guide you will ever need.

There is even a section - believe it or not - on making a dress form from cardboard. I haven't tried it yet. I may for one of my clients, but considering that good dress forms cost a minimum of $3-400, and can cost a lot more - it might be worth the effort.

Overall, I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Even if the reader only goes through the process of creating the master garments to aid in the fitting of commercial patterns, it is well worth it because this kind of understanding can take their overall garment-making to a much higher level.

The book is wonderful. It helps me very much. The only thing is
that I only asked por ONE and I received two I do not know what
happened. I am going to buy another book about Patterns soon.
Tankyou. Blanca Hernàndez

Lovely ideas, clear instructions. Spiral bound is awesome so you can leave it open as you sew. Loved this book because it helped me work out how to draft a pattern JUST RIGHT for my body. If you want to be able to make yourself a variety of skirts - this book is perfect for you!!

I read the reviews for this book before I purchased it. I was a little taken aback by the negative reviews, but with all the positive ones, I bought it. The book arrived and I was making skirts within the week. My two daughters and I wear loads of skirts. I am a professional quilter, so I know how to sew, but making clothes is different. The book is great in giving me clear directions and great tips. The first two skirts I made were not exactly ones in the book, but slight alterations based on existing skirts. In one afternoon I made two beautiful skirts. When I wore one to the quilt shop, everyone wanted to see the book. I highly recommend it. I am already on to my third skirt. Enjoy, as I do!

I was a little skeptical when I ordered this book but I just completed my first project from this book and I am thrilled. I wish I had this book many years ago. I have always been frustrated with patterns and that whole messy process of getting them ready for use etc(not to mention the price). For the first time I have been 100% satisfied with my finished garment. I loved the easy directions and the method of marking directly to the fabric. The result was gorgeous, trendy, and the process was FUN. I cannot wait to make my next skirt. This book should breath new life into the art of creating one of a kind garments!

There is something wrong when one has to do the proofreading before following a pattern. Does anybody proofread before publishing, especially when math is so crucial to pattern writing. Much to my major disappointment, when I finally pull the book out to sew a skirt with much anticipation and expectation after buying a pretty piece of fabric at a very pretty price and proceed in following the directions to make a semi-circular wrap-skirt, and having cut accordingly, I discover that the math is completely off. N.B. Do not divide the final waistline measurement by 6. This is incorrect information. Yeah, I didn't end up with the skirt I had in mind... and I don't give praises for books that give the wrong information and can cause one much grief and an emptier wallet than initially planned.

I too wish they'd included yardage and layout requirements for bias sewing.

A couple of things I learned the hard way:

1. At least for the first A-line or straight skirt with a zipper, put the zipper in the back. Yeah, it's an extra seam, but it makes taking in the sides and/or adding darts if necessary easier.

2. Give a lot more ease through the hips than the book calls for. Otherwise, especially if you're working with a thin fabric, it will bunch up when you sit down and stay that way when you stand up. You can always take it in later.

3. If the skirt is a straight or A-line skirt that hits at or above the knee, you are sewing with a lightweight fabric, and you are reasonably well-proportioned, you can probably get by with a straight hem and waistline. To keep the hem from "bunching," prepare the bottom following the instructions for sewing a straight line to a curve and then hem.

4. If possible, cut out the facings so that their bottom edges run along the selvage. Nobody sees them anyway, and it saves you from having to staystitch them.

5. You can "line" the skirt by making longer facings and sewing them to the front and back pieces first, before stitching the side seams.

Spiral-bound and with pattern pieces included, Amy Butler's book has clear instructions and colorful, fresh illustrations. You can make a basic apron, pillows, or a more complicated handbag. A must-have for Amy fans and a useful addition to your sewing library.

If you like hip, modern projects with stylish fabric potential, then you will enjoy Amy Butler's book. These projects are fun and are easy to sew. So far, I've made the bag with leather straps, though I did have a difficult time locating a retailer who sells leather straps, I had to go online to purchase the straps; nevertheless, the instructions were easy to follow. Her instructions are very detailed and they even provide visual layouts with patterns (you don't have to go to a copier center to enlarge the patterns unlike most project books). Though these projects may be advanced for the beginner, I still recommend it to the passionate crafter. I have not been sewing for many years and I was still able to sew the project within hours.

Amy continues to strive for projects that are modern and fresh. With creativity and style... anyone can produce these hip projects.

I love Amy Butler fabrics so I decided to purchase this book. I really like some of the projects, but some are really nothing to get excited about. I will say that there is quite a nice variety though.

The instructions could be slightly better as well.

I really enjoyed this book, it has such great ideas, but a lot of them aren't "new", as another reviewer has already pointed out. I don't really need one more pattern for an apron... or another purse. The real thing that sets them apart is her use of her own fabric lines - which are very swanky but also very expensive. I really found her instructions to be overwhelming and too wordy; should it really be so hard to make a patchwork quilt, seeing as it's supposed to give the impression of being put together at random?

All that being said, I do still enjoy the photography, the compilation of the ideas (as almost things to create for all aspects of your life), the diagrams and figures, and the inspiration. I definitely recommend this book, but just make sure to not fall into the trap of only buying her fabrics! They look fantastic, and I do love them, but all of your projects will cost you hundreds of dollars.

I loved this book! Nice pictures, and very informative! The patterns are great....but if you buy this, don't get "Sew it Kit" by the same author....there's only 11 out of the 15 patterns that are not found in this book.

Bend-the-Rules Sewing: The Essential Guide to a Whole New Way to Sew This book is not so much about sewing as it is about embellishing your sewing projects. A new sewer must learn some basic rules and can then branch out into creative endeavors. I found the ideas presented to be interesting, but not such a good place for beginner sewers to start.

This is the best beginning sewing book I've seen so far. The projects are creative, fun and wonderfully illustrated with great photos.

This book is great for a beginner sewer but for people who are more advanced should pass this book up. The projects range from simple to complex, but in reference to a beginner. There are also many projects for children and babies which was no use to me because I have none. Although I am an advanced seamstress I can play off of these ideas to make a more complex project.

To the people who have said this is generally not a book for beginners, I have to agree. Problems lie in Amy's line drawings, which are often difficult to understand, the lack of info on yardage to purchase, the use of flannel instead of conventional interfacing (unless you want everything soft and floppy), the need to enlarge and tape the patterns, and the paucity of directions on how to do things like miter corners and properly match notches. Another issue is that the photography is quite nice, but often ineffective. Look at the project picture for the place mats, and you'll see what I mean. Not only are we told to miter corners w/o being given clear instructions, but we can't even see how Amy's done it in the picture, because the sides are cut off (it's also "artistically" blurry). It can't always be style over substance.

Now that I've worked my first project from this book, it might just be my last.

I use and enjoy Diana Rupp's Sew Everything Workshop much more.

I learned to sew years ago--I made coats, suits, children's clothes--from patterns including designer Vogue. For the last 15 years I have sewn mostly curtains and household stuff. I know how to sew, but this book shows a different way of looking at sewing and made me think more creatively about what I was doing. An enjoyable book to read for inspiration and/or use for projects.